First-Year Orientation

Prepare to register for Orientation by reviewing the following information:

1. Review Orientation Dates and Deadlines
2. Determine how many guests you plan to bring to Orientation (max 2)
3. Review the Early Arrival option to see if it's right for you

First Year Orientation is a 2-day program that is required for first-year students.

When reviewing dates, please make sure you are available for the full two-day session as well as the course registration window. 

Family and Guest Orientation runs simultaneously and is highly recommended but not required for guests. Each student can bring up to two guests to Orientation. 

Orientation Registration Deadline: May 20

In June, orientation check-in will begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Day 1. The program will conclude by 4 p.m. on Day 2. Please make travel arrangements accordingly as we cannot grant any late arrival or early departure requests.

The August program is one day only, from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Prior to selecting an Orientation date, please check your schedule for all end-of-semester high school activities, including exams, prom, graduations and rehearsals, and other commitments.

Family and Guest Orientation runs simultaneously with the first-year student orientation. While families and guests are not required to attend Orientation, it is highly encouraged for students to bring at least one guest. Due to space limitations, students are limited to two guests. 

Guests must be added to the Orientation registration when students select their dates. See below for family and guest orientation fees. 

Learn more about the Family & Guest Orientation experience 

First-year students and their guests who wish to arrive the night before their Orientation begins may stay on campus for an additional nightly fee.

Orientation Leaders will have a variety of activities planned to introduce students to each other beginning at 9 p.m. in the student residence hall. There are no activities planned for guests.

Check-in for early arrival is between 7 - 9 p.m. the night prior to the session in Loggerhead Hall. Check-in is not available after 9 p.m.

Early Arrival is only available for the June orientation sessions. 

If you did not add Early Arrival to your initial registration, you may add Early Arrival to your Orientation Registration by emailing Transitions@uncw.edu.

Once you've reviewed the Orientation information above, you're ready to register! 

1. Log into your Applicant Status Portal
2. Pay the Student Orientation Registration Fee
3. Select your Orientation Date and register for any add-ons, including family and guest attendees and Early Arrival
4. Request any accessibility accommodations or dietary needs on your Orientation Registration.
5. Check your email for the final payment link to pay for any add-ons. Your orientation registration is not complete until all fees are paid. 

The orientation fee includes but is not limited to rental fees, technology fees, credit card fees, orientation software, students and staff payroll, printed materials, parking, shuttle services, and office operations and supplies.

In addition to the items above, the student fee includes an overnight stay after day one, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on day one, breakfast and lunch on day two, a teal t-shirt, a drawstring bag, a Wilmington guide and an ID holder.

The guest fees include breakfast and lunch on day one and lunch on day two. In addition to the meals above, guests 18+ will receive a tote bag, a family guide and calendar, and a Wilmington guide per family.

Requests for accommodations can be submitted through your Orientation registration on the orientation registration site.

Accessibility Accommodations

Students who need reasonable accommodations during orientation can make a request to the Office of Transition Programs. Please make your request at least 7 days prior to your orientation date.

Dietary Restrictions

During orientation, students and guests will rotate between the Shore Dining Hall and the Hawk's Nest*. Vegetarian, Vegan, and gluten-free options are available at each meal time. 

*Not all Hawk's Nest locations are available for Orientation. Available locations will be listed on your Orientation schedule received at check-in. 

Additional dietary restrictions should be included in your Orientation registration.

All changes must be requested in writing by emailing transitions@uncw.edu.

Session Changes

Session changes are subject to availability. Please include your name, Student ID number (850#), and the date you'd like to change to. 

Adding and Removing Guests

Guests can be added or removed from your registration until 7 days prior to your session date (see refund fee schedule above). 

On-site registration for guests is subject to space availability and is not guaranteed. A late registration fee will be added to any on-site registrations.

After you register for Orientation, you'll complete a few key steps before attending your in-person Orientation session: 

1. Make your travel arrangements
2. Complete your All About Academics Modules
3. Complete Pre-Orientation Course Registration (if applicable)

Driving to UNCW

Orientation Check-In Address: 1230 Walton Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 

UNCW Visitor Parking Address: 4941 Riegel Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403

Parking will be provided on campus for all orientation attendees and is part of the Orientation fees.

Flying into Wilmington

ILM International Airport is by far the closest and most convenient airport located about 15-20 minutes from campus. 

If flying into MYR, RDU or other airports, please make flight arrangements that accommodate the additional driving time and allow you to attend the full session. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted. 

Where to Stay

Guests are welcome to stay on campus in Schwartz Hall for an additional fee. Please keep in mind this is a residence hall with limited amenities during the summer. This is a convenient and economical option for families, but it is not a hotel room.

View local hotels

Prior to your session, you must complete the required All About Academics Modules.

The All About Academics modules will provide information on your degree program and academic requirements. 

The All About Academics modules must be completed by 11:59 the day before your Orientation session begins. 

To complete your All About Academics modules, log into your Applicant Status Portal and click on the module link on your checklist. 

Students who register for Orientation and complete their All About Academics modules before 11:59 on April 22 are invited to participate in Pre-Orientation Course Registration (POCR). POCR is not required but is provided as an opportunity to register for classes before attending orientation. 

Students who meet the deadline above will receive an email from your academic advisor regarding POCR. 

POCR Steps   

1. Sign up for orientation and complete your All About Academics modules by April 22 at 11:59 p.m.
2. Check your UNCW email daily for registration details, tips, and the schedule of virtual drop-in hours for additional questions.   
3. Register for classes during your assigned window of April 24-26

**If you register for orientation and/or complete your All About Academics modules after the Pre-Orientation Course Registration deadline, you will register for courses during the Post-Orientation Registration window assigned to your Orientation session.